Some very rare pennies can be worth hundreds of dollars or even more. Most pennies are only worth one cent. Coin fans will love these secret gems, which you might find in your change jar or an old collection.
These 10 types of rare pennies are very sought after and can fetch a lot of money:
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $600 to over $1,500
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. It marked the beginning of the Lincoln cent series and is instantly recognizable due to the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint and the “VDB” initials of designer Victor David Brenner. These initials were placed prominently on the reverse of the coin, which caused controversy and led to their quick removal in future releases. Because of its limited mintage and historical significance, this penny is extremely desirable among collectors. If you have one in good condition, it could be worth a substantial amount.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $200 to over $1,000
The 1914-D penny, produced at the Denver Mint, is another rarity in the Lincoln cent series. With a low mintage compared to other years, finding one of these coins—especially in fine or uncirculated condition—is difficult. Many examples were heavily circulated, so well-preserved pieces are rare and fetch higher prices. Its scarcity and historical importance make it a top target for collectors aiming to complete a Lincoln Wheat Penny set.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $300 to over $1,500
What makes the 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny particularly special is that some coins from that year lack the “D” mint mark, even though they were struck in Denver. This anomaly occurred because of a worn die that failed to impress the mint mark. These error coins are few and far between and are considered prized finds. Authentic versions without signs of tampering can command high prices, especially when they are in excellent condition.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $100 to over $500
During the Great Depression, coin production was scaled back, and the 1931-S penny saw one of the lowest mintage numbers of the entire Lincoln Wheat Penny series. Minted in San Francisco, this coin is sought after not just because of its rarity but also because it represents a challenging piece for collectors to locate. Even circulated versions hold solid value, and uncirculated examples are highly coveted.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $100,000 to several million dollars
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made from steel due to the wartime need for copper. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used, resulting in one of the rarest and most valuable pennies ever produced. These coins are incredibly rare, with only a few known examples. If you ever find what appears to be a brownish 1943 penny instead of the usual gray-colored steel, it’s worth having it authenticated—it could be worth a fortune.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $500 to over $1,000
In contrast to 1943, the following year’s pennies were made from bronze. However, a few steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used again in 1944, producing rare steel pennies for that year. These coins are exceptionally uncommon and can bring in significant money if found in good shape. They are the opposite error of the famous 1943 bronze penny, making them a fascinating collectible for numismatists.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $500 to over $1,500
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny is famous among collectors for its highly visible doubling, particularly on the year and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error coin is one of the most popular varieties ever made and is relatively easy to spot. Because of its striking appearance, it’s a favorite among error coin enthusiasts and can bring high prices depending on condition and clarity of the doubling.
8. 1970-S Small Date Penny
Estimated Value: $50 to over $300
This penny may look ordinary at first glance, but the 1970-S Small Date variety is a subtle but valuable find. The key difference lies in the shape and positioning of the numbers in the date. The small date version is harder to find and often overlooked, making it a sleeper hit among collectors. Spotting this variation takes a keen eye, but identifying one can result in a nice payout, especially if the coin is in mint condition.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
Estimated Value: $75 to over $300
In 1983, a unique error occurred on some Lincoln cents where the reverse side shows clear doubling on the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This mistake is not immediately obvious, so many people may have these coins without realizing it. Collectors who specialize in doubled die errors prize this variety for its rarity and the quality of the doubling. Well-preserved examples are particularly desirable.
10. 1992 Close AM Penny
Estimated Value: $200 to over $1,000
Most 1992 pennies have a noticeable gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side. However, the rare Close AM version has the two letters almost touching—a design detail intended for proof coins that was mistakenly used on some circulation coins. These coins are incredibly rare and easy to miss unless you know what to look for. Having one in your possession could mean a big payday.
Check Your Change!
These ten penny varieties demonstrate that even the smallest coins can hide incredible value. Taking a close look at the pennies in your pockets, jars, or old family collections might uncover a forgotten gem. Pay attention to small design details, mint marks, and production errors, as these could be signs of a valuable collector’s item. You never know—you might just stumble upon a coin worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars.
